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1998 ford expedition 4.6 L - 4R70W transmission I need to adjust the shift link cable length via the yellow end clip but can't figure out how to get the clip unlocked. I have shoved a flathead into the areas that look like might contain a tab but nothing seems to get it unlocked. Does anybody know how to open this for adjustment before I break the darn thing?
Yes, it is just supposed to slide. I've attached the adjustment procedure from the FSDM, in case it helps.
You are the man! So it looks like the guide shows the locking tab to be in the top corner which is a place I haven't tried yet. I love this guide as it shows the proper steps to a T to make sure all is put back together & aligned 100% correctly.
Question - the guide makes mention of the transmission range sensor alignment (step #10) & has a hyperlink to a different section of that guide. I was hoping to read that section too but the link doesn't work from this end. Do you possibly have that particular section too?
Edit: so I was able to get the tab unlocked. It took an adjustable pliers at a slight angle to force the clip open. I don't think there was any tab, rather a bit of fine dust that just jammed that clip super tight.
Following the guide, I ran into another strange issue. With the link cable disconnected from the lever arm at the tranny, I can only move the shift lever in the truck down 1 step to reverse. It feels like 1 full step but the indicator on the dash shows it barely getting to the edge of the R. Had a buddy help with the lever in the truck while I was recording video underneath & I don't see any reason why the lever in the truck can't cycle through the full range of gears. I'm going to create a new post for this issue.
You are a life saver!
Thank you & have a great day,
Corey
Last edited by AKAJackson; Mar 8, 2025 at 11:37 PM.
Reason: Added details
You are the man! So it looks like the guide shows the locking tab to be in the top corner which is a place I haven't tried yet.
I don't think the arrow is point to a locking tab; I'm pretty sure it is just pointing to the mechanism as a whole. The additional section you requested is attached. I don't know which transmission you have, so I've included the two most likely ones.
I can't believe I forgot the tranny info. I have the 4R70W. Thank you again for the 2nd guide. So for the TR sensor, it wants the truck in N & for the proper refitting of the shift linkage to it's control arm, they want the truck in D. I have the battery disconnected, but if I turn the key on & press the brake, I can move the shift lever inside the truck from P to R & that's it. I think this is due to a Shift Interlock safety mechanism. But everything I search on the topic comes to a dead end.
1 source states to look in the owner's manual for the Shift Interlock release but there is no mention of it in there. Other sources state to look near the base of the lever or in the center console for a button or slot where I can stick a flathead screwdriver in to release the Interlock. I don't see anything that resembles that. Googling for YouTube videos on 1998 Ford Expedition Shift Interlock (or Ford F150) - lists a ton of videos that are related to the TR sensor which gets me confused. If the TR sensor handles the Shift Interlock feature & to align the TR sensor I need to put the truck in N - well then I'm in a pickle. :-)
